Locking device for sewing machines and the like



May 8, 1934.

F SCHWAHN LOCKING DEVICE FOR SEWING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 7. 1935 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented May 8, 1934 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE LOCKING DEVICE FOR SEWING MACHINES AND THE LIKE 4 Claims.

This invention relates to locking devices for sewing machines and the like and has for one of its objects the provision of a device of this character that will effectively prevent the surreptitious removal of sewing machines or other articles in connection with which it may be used.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a locking device which comprises a stud adapted to pass through the support upon which the article Whose removal it is to prevent, as well as the article itself, and means for locking the said stud in place.

A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby the stud which passes through the machine or other article is prevented from being rotated and unscrewed after it has been secured in place.

Another object is to produce a device of the character described in which the maximum simplicity of construction and operation is secured.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the nature of the improvements is better understood, the invention consisting substantially in the novel arrangement and co-relation of parts herein fully described, and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein similar reference characters are used to describe corresponding parts throughout the several views, and then finally pointed out and specifically defined and indicated in the appended claims.

The disclosure made the basis of exemplifying the present inventive concept suggests a practical embodiment thereof, but the invention is not to be restricted to the exact details of this dis- Z5 closure, and the latter, therefore, is to be understood from an illustrative, rather than a restrictive standpoint.

The inventive idea involved is capable of receiving a variety of mechanical expressions, one of which, for the purpose of illustration, is shown in the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 is a fragmental side view of a sewing machine partly in section showing my improved locking device in connection therewith.

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the base of the sewing machine with which my locking device is especially adapted to cooperate.

Figure 3 is a fragmental sectional view showing the rotation prevention screw passing through 59 the locking collar into the slotted end of the stud, and

Figure 4 is a side view of the locking stud.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, 10 indicates a sewing machine, preferably of the type known as the Merrow machine, which is provided with a base 11 having a cutout 11a and three holes 12 for the admission of screws 13 for securing the machine to the table top 14 upon which the machine rests.

At the present time these screws 13 are the only means for securing the machine to the table, and it is a very simple matter to remove the said screws and carry the machine away. Due to the great utility and popularity of these machines and the ease with which they may be removed from their support, a great number of them are stolen annually, which are easily disposed of in the second-hand market. It is to prevent such theft that I have primarily perfected my invention.

In carrying out my invention, I utilize a threaded opening 15 in a hub or base 16 normally used for securing the machine to the shipping case. Into the said hole 15 I thread a post or stud 1'7 which at its central portion is provided with a flattened or rectangular portion 18 for the reception of a wrench for screwing the post into place in the hub 16. A cotter pin 19 is then inserted into an opening 20 in the stud with the bottom surface of the said pin in contact with the upper surface of the hub 16, after which a nut 21 is screwed tightly against the bottom surface of the said hub 16. Secured to the table 14 is a block 11b whose end edges are adapted to contact with the said edges of the cutout 11a in the base of the machine when the said machine is set upon the table and secured thereto by means of the screws 13, a hole 22 and a counterbore 23 being provided for the reception of the stud 1'7 and nut 21.

With the machine in place, a collar or nut 25 is threaded on the lower portion of the stud 1'7 against the bottom of the table 14. A set screw 26 which passes through a threaded opening 27 therein and enters a slot or opening 28 in the bottom of the stud 17 provides, together with the block 11b anti-rotation means for the machine and stud 17. When the collar 25 is in place, a key operated lock 29 is placed upon the said collar 25 which is provided with an outer annular groove 30 for the reception of a bolt or pin 31 forming a part of the lock 29.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a simple yet eflicient device for locking sewing machines and other articles to their support, and it will further be seen that due to either the block 11b or to the set screw and slot connection 26 and 28, or to the combination of both of the said anti-rotation means 110 the machine cannot be removed from the table without first removing the lock 29.

Having described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A locking device of the character described comprising a stud adapted to enter an article and a support to which the article is to be locked and to extend beyond the said support, the said stud being provided with an opening near the bottom thereof, a collar on the stud adapted to be secured to the support, a screw passing through the collar and opening in the stud, and a lock covering and in operative engagement with the collar.

2. A locking device of the character described comprising a stud adapted to enter an article and a support to which the article is to be locked and to extend beyond the said support, the said stud being provided with an opening near the bottom thereof, a collar on the stud adapted to be secured to the support, a screw passing through the collar and opening in the stud, a lock covering and in operative engagement with the collar, and a block adapted to be secured to the support and to engage a cutout in the article to be supported.

3. A locking device of the character described comprising a stud adapted to be fastened at one end thereof to the article to be locked and to extend beyond the article support, a collar screw threadedly mounted at the other end of the stud and adapted to be brought into engagement with the underside of the support, anti-rotation means between the collar and stud, and a key operated lock covering the said collar and in operative engagement therewith.

4. A locking device of the character described comprising a stud adapted to be fastened at one end thereof to the article to be locked and to extend beyond the article support, a collar secured to the opposite end of the stud, a lock covering and in operative engagement with the said collar and anti-rotation means adapted to be secured to the support and to enter and engage the article to be supported.

FRANK SCHWAHN. 

